Pubdate: Mon, 08 Apr 2002
Source: Newsday (NY)
Copyright: 2002 Newsday Inc.
Contact:  http://www.newsday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/308
Author: Associated Press

DUTCH LAWMAKERS BACK MARIJUANA BILL

THE HAGUE, Netherlands -- A large majority of legislators in the Dutch 
parliament's lower chamber said Monday that they will support a 
government-backed bill to legalize marijuana prescriptions for severely ill 
patients.

The lower house is expected to vote next week on the proposal to let 
doctors prescribe marijuana produced by government-regulated growers for 
medicinal purposes.

The bill also needs approval by the Senate, expected later this year, 
before it can take effect. If it is passed, two growers selected by the 
Dutch government will become the first legal marijuana producers in Europe.

Lawmakers from the three government coalition partners and the two largest 
opposition parties said Monday that they would approve the bill. The 
political makeup of the Senate is similar, so the bill is likely to be 
approved.

Health Ministry spokesman Bas Kuik said marijuana for medicinal purposes 
will probably be available in drugstores within a year or so.

Although the sale of marijuana is illegal, Dutch authorities tolerate the 
sale of small amounts in hundreds of so-called "coffee shops" that operate 
openly.

There are also plans to put marijuana on the national health care plan, but 
initially the drug will only be free under special health insurance programs.
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